ConsumerWatch: High-Tech Tool Can Help Visualize Weight Loss Goals

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – It’s what many people dream of: looking slimmer. A high-tech tool can now help you reach your ideal weight goal by simply snapping a photo.

Tara Duffy is on a mission to drop 40 pounds by spring. But the 28-year-old does admit reaching that goal won’t be easy. “It seems as I get older its harder to lose weight, it’s been a constant battle,” she said.

But Duffy is on a good start with the help of WeightMirror, a web tool that shows virtual weight loss results instantly. Duffy simply uploads a photo, enters her current height and weight, then subtracts what she wants to lose.

Within seconds, Duffy can see instant results. “I’d like to print that out and put it on my refrigerator because it is something that is obtainable,” she said.

Physical trainer Jennifer Fleisher said WeightMirror is a great motivating tool. “To upload a photo of yourself, and see what you would look like once all of your hard work pays off even though your not there yet,” Fleisher said. “That’s what is really going to get you to the gym even though you really don’t feel like working out.”

But Fleisher adds using this tool to take off too much weight could be counterproductive. Digital media expert Blodwen Tarter points out why. “The website itself doesn’t speak to things like exercise, healthy eating, maintaining the about of sleep you need to get healthier,” she said.

In fact, Tarter said this tool just reinforces society’s preoccupation with appearance. “There is a lot of pressure especially with women to be of this ideal weight,” she said.

For Duffy, seeing is believing and now she believes her ideal weight is possible. “This could be you if you really wanted it to be.”